Benchmarks of tolerance

Tolerance cannot be imparted to citizens through statements but should be demonstrated through practical examples

Tolerance can be defined in individual or collective terms which impact each other and leave positive or negative impressions in society. It can neither be theoretically taught nor be inculcated among humans without presenting a practical mode for action. Tolerance experiences many challenges in a diverse social set-up, including accepting diversity and taking it as an opportunity to reshape lives and human behaviour in society. Unfortunately, we talk a lot about tolerance but are unable to translate it in our daily lives. Let us look at some benchmarks of tolerance from our existing social set-ups. First, we do not go for a diverse occupation choice as we enter into practical lives. Our choice is a function of a monopolistic social instinct which keeps shaping our key decision-making. Hardly few of us follow an untrodden path or go for something different from our ancestral line of profession.

Second, we do not encourage diverse opinions in classrooms let alone appreciate a diverse class culture where students from different geographical locations, dialects, sects, lineage or backgrounds are present. Unless one appreciates diversity, one is unable to explain its practical manifestation. Moreover, the classroom walls in our educational facilities depict a monolithic cultural landscape negating diversity and multi-culturalism. The names of roads or avenues are also based on historical Islamic heroes without alluding to any non-Muslim entity who helped or assisted Muslims during dire circumstances of their historical struggles. Hence, we cannot teach tolerance and diversity through hollow statements without presenting a diverse practical ambience.

Third, the curriculum or subjects taught at primary, secondary or higher secondary level having a diverse base are not so varied when it comes to their implementation. These subjects should present a picture which promotes, appreciates and utilises cultural pluralism for its advantages. Recognising it we have now started diversifying the curriculum and incorporating a variety of viewpoints and areas of study.

Fourth, a multiple dialogue culture should be promoted not only in educational institutions but on electronic media too. We have rarely seen active debates among madrassa and elite school students. As a result, both exist in their separate artificial social set-ups and do not cross each other’s paths except in rare cases. Whereas, understanding each other’s perspective through discussion and debate is a healthy sign as it helps bridge the intellectual gap and promotes tolerance and respect for each other.

Fifth, appreciating minorities and prompting their roles in national cohesion and unity is also an important aspect of inculcating tolerance in our society. We normally do not greet them in their way of welcoming or good-bye. We also channelise their utility at a menial pedestal without strategically recognising their importance and significance. We have even denied them their due share in jobs and related opportunities at provincial and federal levels. Our key decision forums are usually constituted without their presence in it. This is not only annoying but also damages national solidarity and unity discourse as well.

Lastly, we have been unable to promote intra-religious harmony through tolerance and patience among different sects. As a result, it has emerged as a major fault-line in our national security strategy. The external actors or hostile intelligence agencies have been exposing and attacking it with relative ease both in physical and non-physical spaces. Already we have seen that social media-based text messages, audio or video clips targeting different sects has increased manifolds during the pandemic. Unfortunately, the room for operation against cyber assaults is minimal in the current set up as social media companies wield complete monopoly of control over addition or deletion of any content on their platforms.

Therefore, tolerance cannot be imparted to citizens through messages and statements but should be demonstrated through practical examples from the lowest level to the highest office in the country. Diversity is good but it needs to be demonstrated through tolerance and patience.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 18^th, 2020.

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